Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George Spruce Kings jumped ahead of the Chlliwack Chiefs in the game of leapfrog for third place in the BCHL’s Interior Conference Friday night, scoring a hard-fought 4-3 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks at the Coliseum. Chilliwack dropped a 5-1 loss to the Division-leading Vees in Penticton.

The home club went ahead 1-0 at 6:02 of the first period on a goal by league scoring leader Paul De Jersey but Salmon Arm came back with a pair to go up 2-1 after one. The Spruce Kings outscored Salmon Arm 2 to 1 in the middle frame to take a 3-2 lead into the third. De Jersey finished the night with the one goal and two helpers, Jujhar Khaira had a four-point night including 3 assists and Ben Woodley was one and one in the contest. Just seven minors were called in the game, four to the Spruce Kings.

The victory gives the Kings 52 points, one more than the Chiefs and seven behind the second-place Merritt Centennials, who were shut out 4-0 in Vernon. The Vipers hold fifth place in the Interior standings with 47 points.

The Spruce Kings and Silverbacks go back at it at 7pm Saturday at the Coliseum. Merritt is at Westside, Cilliwack visits cellar-dwelling trail and Vernon hosts Alberni in Saturday contests.